Bette Ruth DeSilva, 84, of Jacksonville, IL, died Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at The Grove Healthcare Center in Jacksonville.

She was born June 30, 1939, in Jacksonville, the daughter of William Marion and Ruth Lillian (Manes) DeSilva.

She is survived by her long-time friend, Dean Hutton of Lynnville; and her cousin, James Arthur (wife, Ann) Manes of Springfield. She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, William Marion "Bill" DeSilva and Reginald Wayne DeSilva.

Bette was a 1957 graduate of Jacksonville High School and was proud to have sung a solo at the baccalaureate service. A member of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, she was a Jacksonville Business Careers graduate, had attended Sangamon State University where she studied criminal justice, and had also attended Lincoln Land Community College and Illinois College. As a young woman, Bette began working for a telephone answering service. She later worked for George Clark at A.G. Edwards and for Catherine Rowe at Production Press. She retired in 1983 from Capitol Records.

Bette was a talented vocalist, pianist, and organist. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Jacksonville and had sung in the Singing Illinoisans Choir with members of Southern Baptist churches. She served as past Noble Grand of Rebekah Lodge #13 in Jacksonville. She was a past member of Jacksonville Genealogical Society and had created her own genealogy library.

Funeral services will be held 11 am Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024, at the Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville with Pastor John McCorkle officiating. Burial will follow at Jacksonville East Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 10-11 am prior to the service. Memorial gifts are suggested to New Directions Warming and Cooling Center or Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.